Evaluating the Impact of Smog Emergency Policies on Air Quality and Public Perception by Using Geospatial Technologies: A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan

Evaluating the Impact of Smog Emergency Policies on Air Quality and Public Perception by Using Geospatial Technologies: A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Evaluating the Impact of Smog Emergency Policies on Air Quality and Public Perception by Using Geospatial Technologies: A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan Ahsan Mehmood, Raja Muhammad Usama, Ahmad Mehmood, Dr. Samawia Rizwan This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5537502/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Air pollution, particularly smog, poses a significant global health threat, with Pakistan experiencing annual smog episodes starting in October. This study examines air quality in Lahore, frequently ranked among the world's most polluted cities, focusing on the effectiveness of government initiatives like the Smog Emergency and Health and Environmental Emergency. By analyzing changes in the Air Quality Index (AQI) and pollutant concentrations (NO 2 , SO 2 , O 3 , CO, PM 2.5 ) before, during, and after implementing emergency policies, we assess their impact on air quality. Data was sourced from the AQI platform and Sentinel-5P satellite through its Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and analyzed using Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS Pro for spatial visualization. While modest improvements were noted during the emergencies, particularly in SO 2 levels, these were short-lived, with significant increases in NO 2 and SO 2 post-emergency. Ozone levels slightly decreased post-emergency, while CO trends varied. Additionally, a survey revealed that most residents perceived no improvement in air quality during the emergency and experienced disruptions to their daily lives and financial losses. Despite low satisfaction with government actions, many expressed conditional support for future initiatives, indicating a need for more sustainable approaches to smog control. Environmental Policy Climate Analysis and Modeling Smog Emergency Lahore Sentinel-5p Google Earth Engine (GEE) Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 1 Introduction Air Pollution and Climate Change are the biggest global health threats in the current century causing approximately 4.2 million premature deaths every year globally as reported in 2019 (WHO, 2024). Nine out of ten people breathe polluted air every day and exposure to it causes multiple health issues such as cancer, stroke, and heart and lung diseases (WHO, 2019). Only in Pakistan, according to an estimate, air pollution causes at least 128,000 deaths every year (Ijaz, 2023 ). The specific type of air pollution under study is Smog, a dense and toxic fog formed by a complex combination of harmful atmospheric pollutants. Smog hits the South Asian region every year from October and may last till March (Copernicus, 2020). Burning of fossil fuels, municipal and industrial waste, brick kilns, crop residue, and emission of dust from construction sites are the major contributors to smog (Anjum & Naz, 2022 ). In Pakistan, the city that is most affected by smog is Lahore, the Capital of the province of Punjab, as it is mostly topping the list of the world’s most polluted cities by the Air Quality Index (AQI). The average life expectancy of residents of Lahore is shortened by almost 7 years due to breathing poisonous air (AQLI, 2023). The smog episodes in Lahore not only lead to health problems but also affect the economy and daily life routine of the public such as the closure of schools and businesses, blockade of traffic, road accidents, and delayed flight operations (Majeed et al., 2024 ). The low visibility due to smog also halts inter and intra-city transportation thus affecting the trade. The smog also significantly affects the agricultural sector in a two-fold way, damaging the crops and reducing the yield as exposure to high levels of smog can lower the yields of wheat, corn, potatoes, rice, and soybeans by ten to forty percent (Razzaq et al., 2024 ). Neither the constitution nor any enacted law explicitly recognizes the right to clean air or a healthy environment in Pakistan. However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, through its landmark case of Shehla Zia v. WAPDA, interprets the right to life and dignity incorporated in Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 and expands it to the recognition of the right to a healthy environment as a fundamental right (Shehla, 1994). The most recent action taken by the government on a national level was the introduction of the National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) in March 2023 which is focused on formulating actions aimed at achieving improvements in air quality. Alongside the long-term action plans, the federal and provincial governments take short-term initiatives to immediately improve the worsening air quality and curb smog. Two out of those initiatives, taken by the Government of Punjab, were Smog Emergency (Sheikh, 2023 ) and Health and Environmental Emergency (Tahir & Sheikh, 2023 ), the former was declared all over Punjab on November 02, 2023, while the latter was imposed in Lahore and two other cities of Punjab from November 09 to 12, 2023 to temporarily alleviate the harmful pollutants in the air. During the Smog Emergency, the government implemented the following measures: Banned the burning of crop residue. Halted major construction projects in Lahore to reduce dust and emissions. Launched crackdowns on smoke-emitting vehicles and factories. While the highlights of the Health and Environmental Emergency were: Closure of all schools, offices, markets, malls, restaurants, cinemas, and gymnasiums. Restricted public and private transport. These emergency policies offer an intriguing case study that aims to analyze how the concentration of important pollutants comprising smog in Lahore changed before, during, and after the end of their implementation. The research evaluates the effectiveness of the government’s policies in improving air quality and reducing smog. It also includes a survey questionnaire that assesses the impact of the measures taken by the government during the implementation of smog-curbing emergencies on residents' daily lives. Through understanding the outcomes, the research can inform future policy decisions and t he findings may provide insights for addressing smog in other polluted regions globally. 2 Methodology The study examines changes in the concentration of air pollutants associated with smog across three distinct periods: Before Emergency, During Emergency, and After Emergency. The emergency policies were implemented from November 2, 2023, to November 12, 2023, encompassing a total of 11 days classified as the During Emergency period. To ensure consistency in data collection, the Before Emergency and After Emergency periods are also defined as 11 days each with the former ranging from October 22, 2023, to November 1, 2023, while the latter extends from November 13, 2023, to November 23, 2023. This structured approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of pollutant concentration changes before, during, and after the implementation of emergency measures. The data of AQI and concentration of PM 2.5 is collected from AQI, a real-time pollution monitoring platform (AQI, 2023), and analyzed in MS Excel using scatter plots while the data of concentration of NO 2 , SO 2 , O 3 , and CO is collected from Sentinel-5P, an Earth-observing satellite which is a part of Copernicus Program deployed on October 13, 2017 by the European Space Agency (ESA). This satellite uses Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), a spectrometer that measures Ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared wavelengths and provides high-resolution data as it maps the entire planet daily (Chandra & Singh, 2023 ). It is employed to contribute to climate research and inform policy-makers by monitoring air pollution levels and trends and the impact of human activities on air quality. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) code editor was used to collect and examine the concentration data of the above-mentioned gases from Sentinel- 5p for each day of the three time periods in the study while the mean concentration maps for each gas showing fluctuations in their concentration before, during, and after the emergencies were visualized in ArcGIS Pro tool. Along with the maps, the bar graphs were also created to show mean, minimum, and maximum values. A survey was also conducted in which more than 150 respondents responded to a questionnaire posed before them to assess the public perception of the emergency policies, their economic impact on residents’ lives, and support for similar initiatives in the future. The data collected from the survey is represented through pie charts created by using MS Excel. 3 Results and Discussion 3.1 Air Quality Index (AQI) The trend of the AQI exhibited a troubling trajectory, gradually escalating throughout the pre-emergency policies period, culminating in a mean value of 252, which is classified as a very unhealthy level of air pollution. This alarming trend continued during the emergency phase, where the AQI soared beyond 300, reaching a hazardous level that poses severe health risks to the population. However, following the implementation of the Environmental and Health Emergency measures, a significant and sudden drop in the AQI was observed, indicating an improvement in air quality as levels transitioned from hazardous to unhealthy . Despite this brief respite, the post-emergency period saw a resurgence in AQI levels, which once again climbed back into the very unhealthy range (Du & Varde, 2016 ). 3.2 Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) The trend of PM 2.5 concentration in the pre-emergency period exhibited a concerning ascent, starting from an unhealthy level and continuing to rise until the declaration of the Health and Environmental Emergency. During this time, the concentration peaked at an alarming 338 µg/m³, classified as hazardous . Following the emergency measures, a significant drop in PM 2.5 levels was observed, decreasing to 94 µg/m³, which is categorized as unhealthy . Unfortunately, this improvement proved to be short-lived; in the post-emergency phase, PM 2.5 concentrations once again surged, with the mean level recorded at 231 µg/m³, placing it firmly within the very unhealthy range (Du & Varde, 2016 ). 3.3 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) The mean concentration of NO 2 during the pre-emergency period was recorded at 0.139 m mol/m². This level saw a slight reduction during the implementation of the emergency policies phase, decreasing to 0.137 m mol/m², representing a modest decline of approximately 1.5%. However, following the conclusion of the emergency policies, a concerning trend emerged as NO 2 concentrations rebounded sharply, reflecting an increase to 0.147 m mol/m² which is around 6.6%. 3.4 Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) The trend in SO 2 concentration mirrored that of NO 2 , but the changes observed were more pronounced as in the pre-emergency period, the mean SO 2 concentration was recorded at 0.192 m mol/m² while during the emergency, this level saw a substantial reduction to 0.165 m mol/m², marking an impressive decline of nearly 14%. However, this improvement was only temporary as SO 2 concentrations surged dramatically in the post-emergency period escalating the mean concentration to 0.37 m mol/m², reflecting a staggering increase of up to 56%. 3.5 Ozone (O 3 ) The trends in ozone O 3 concentration levels present a fascinating contrast to those of NO 2 and SO 2 . In the pre-emergency period, the mean O 3 concentration was recorded at 0.1263 mol/m². During the emergency phase, this level experienced a slight reduction to 0.1258 mol/m², reflecting a minimal decline of only 0.36%. However, unlike the upward trends seen in NO 2 and SO 2 concentrations following the end of emergency policies, ozone levels continued to decrease even further as the mean concentration dropped to 0.1256 mol/m², representing an additional decline of 0.17%. 3.6 Carbon Monoxide (CO) The trends in CO concentration present a striking contradiction to those observed for NO 2 , SO 2 , and O 3 as the mean CO concentration during the emergency period was notably higher than that recorded before the declaration of emergencies. Specifically, the mean CO concentration increased from 0.046 mol/m² in the pre-emergency period to 0.048 mol/m² during the emergency reflecting an increment of nearly 4%. Interestingly, in the post-emergency period, the mean concentration decreased, returning to levels comparable to those observed in the pre-emergency period. 3.7 Survey The survey results, as provided in Fig. 5 , reflect the perspectives of over 150 residents of Lahore regarding air quality and the impact of emergency policies. Notably, a significant 94% of respondents indicated some level of awareness about these policies. When asked about changes in air quality following the declaration of emergencies, 43% reported an improvement, while 45% observed no change, and 12% felt that air quality had worsened. Furthermore, the measures implemented by the government during this period had a noticeable effect on daily life, with 84% of respondents acknowledging disruptions to their routines. Financial implications were also evident, as 53% experienced financial losses due to these measures, with 15% facing severe setbacks. In terms of satisfaction with government actions, 31% expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of smog-curbing policies, while 28% conveyed some level of satisfaction; however, a substantial 41% remained neutral. Looking ahead, public sentiment towards future policies is mixed: 32% showed complete support for similar initiatives in the future, while 58% expressed conditional support based on prevailing circumstances. Only 10% were outright unsupportive. 4 Conclusion The implementation of short-term initiatives like the Smog Emergency and Health and Environmental Emergency in Lahore led to temporary improvements in air quality, yet these changes were not substantial or lasting. Analysis of air quality data indicates that while pollutants such as NO 2 and SO 2 decreased during the emergencies, they spiked again post-implementation. Conversely, O 3 levels showed a slight decline throughout the emergency phases, while CO levels increased during the emergencies before decreasing afterward. PM 2.5 and the AQI demonstrated a similar pattern, with only a brief drop in levels during the Health and Environmental Emergency. Public sentiment reflected dissatisfaction with government actions due to disruptions caused by these initiatives, although there was conditional support for future efforts. This underscores the necessity for long-term strategies that address the root causes of pollution, including enhanced public awareness, improved monitoring systems, and robust emission reduction policies. As Lahore continues to face severe air quality challenges, both federal and provincial governments must commit to sustainable solutions that prioritize public health and environmental integrity. Declarations The participants consented to publication. Data Availability The data will be available upon request. Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest. References Air Quality Life Index (AQLI). (2023). Country Spotlight Pakistan . Retrieved August 2024, from https://aqli.epic.uchicago.edu/country-spotlight/pakistan/ Anjum, A., & Naz, F. (2022). Smog The fifth season in Pakistan . Retrieved October 2024, from https://pide.org.pk/research/smog-the-fifth-season-in-pakistan/ Chandra, A., & Singh, S. (2023). An assessment of air quality indicators Sentinel-5P TROPOMI data were used to examine the NO2 SO2 O3 AEROSOL levels in Uttar Pradesh before, after, and during the COVID 19 phase. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews , 20(01), 324–336. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.20.1.2021 Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. (2020). Copernicus: Scientists monitor smog over south Asia affecting over 400 million people. Retrieved October 2024, from https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/copernicus-scientists-monitor-smog-over-south-asia-affecting-over-400-million-people Du, X., & Varde, A.S. (2016). Mining PM2.5 and traffic conditions for air quality . 2016 7th International Conference on Information and Communication Systems (ICICS), Irbid, Jordan , 33-38. Ijaz, S. (2023, December 06). Pakistan’s Air Pollution Shortens Lives . Retrieved August 2024, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/12/06/pakistans-air-pollution-shortens-lives Lahore Air Quality Index (AQI), Pakistan. (2023). Real-time PM2.5, PM10 air pollution level in Punjab . Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.aqi.in/dashboard/pakistan/punjab/lahore Majeed, R., Anjum, M. S., Imad-ud-din, M., Malik, S., Anwar, M. N., Anwar, B. & Khokhar, M. F. (2024). Solving the mysteries of Lahore smog: the fifth season in the country. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities , 5 , 1314426. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2023.1314426 Ms. Shehla Zia and others v. WAPDA, PLD 1994 Supreme Court 693 (Supreme Court of Pakistan, 1994). Razzaq, A., Zafar, M. M., Zahra, L. T., Qadir, F., Qiao, F., Ullah, M. H., Shehzad, S., Rasool, G., & Jiang, X. (2024). Smog: Lahore needs global attention to fix it. Environmental Challenges , 16 , 100999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2024.100999 Sheikh, W.A. (2023, November 02). Punjab govt imposes ‘smog emergency’ after LHC order . Retrieved August 2024, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1785717 Tahir, Z., & Sheikh, W.A. (2023, November 08). Health emergency in several Punjab districts to combat smog . Retrieved August 2024, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1787430 World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Ten threats to global health in 2019 . Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/ten-threats-to-global-health-in-2019 World Health Organization (WHO). (2024, October 24). Ambient (outdoor) air pollution . Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-5537502","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":383527211,"identity":"141b2e41-13c3-4cb9-bcfe-f11387050be2","order_by":0,"name":"Ahsan 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Lahore.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5537502/v1/a5546c9fa2a57045fc232e2a.png"},{"id":70928326,"identity":"66576bca-2ceb-450c-8945-034a0199ee7c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-12-09 09:32:14","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":92926,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eImpact of the Smog Emergency (blue shade) and the Health and Environmental Emergency (red shade) on the Air Quality Index and PM\u003csub\u003e2.5\u003c/sub\u003e Concentration.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5537502/v1/5b1da4facf45981f06c00cc1.png"},{"id":70926776,"identity":"2af5335c-30c9-418a-8fac-263110275b37","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-12-09 09:16:14","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":194731,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSpatial variation in the mean concentration of NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, O\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, and CO over Lahore before, during, and after emergency policies.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5537502/v1/9d269aae5a4f71b931fb7491.png"},{"id":70926777,"identity":"1025fe94-b681-4cb1-b44f-6afedf6d1bcd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-12-09 09:16:14","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":230638,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eChange in mean, minimum, and maximum concentration of NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, O\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, and CO over Lahore before, during, and after emergency policies.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5537502/v1/10ff8f31ab0026b1d09ecdad.png"},{"id":70926779,"identity":"03d3fb0b-d4d2-4b9d-bd86-1044e09338ad","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-12-09 09:16:14","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":388820,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSurvey questionnaire and pie charts representing the percentage difference of public opinion in gathered responses.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5537502/v1/ded9a376c90bdced66416c9c.png"},{"id":70977346,"identity":"274430f3-0164-4a63-9e5b-efa4bcf18a8d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-12-09 20:38:37","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1212225,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5537502/v1/8848a0da-46a9-483a-aed3-dc78495e3e49.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eEvaluating the Impact of Smog Emergency Policies on Air Quality and Public Perception by Using Geospatial Technologies: A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1 Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eAir Pollution and Climate Change are the biggest global health threats in the current century causing approximately 4.2\u0026nbsp;million premature deaths every year globally as reported in 2019 (WHO, 2024). Nine out of ten people breathe polluted air every day and exposure to it causes multiple health issues such as cancer, stroke, and heart and lung diseases (WHO, 2019). Only in Pakistan, according to an estimate, air pollution causes at least 128,000 deaths every year (Ijaz, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). The specific type of air pollution under study is Smog, a dense and toxic fog formed by a complex combination of harmful atmospheric pollutants. Smog hits the South Asian region every year from October and may last till March (Copernicus, 2020). Burning of fossil fuels, municipal and industrial waste, brick kilns, crop residue, and emission of dust from construction sites are the major contributors to smog (Anjum \u0026amp; Naz, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). In Pakistan, the city that is most affected by smog is Lahore, the Capital of the province of Punjab, as it is mostly topping the list of the world\u0026rsquo;s most polluted cities by the Air Quality Index (AQI). The average life expectancy of residents of Lahore is shortened by almost 7 years due to breathing poisonous air (AQLI, 2023). The smog episodes in Lahore not only lead to health problems but also affect the economy and daily life routine of the public such as the closure of schools and businesses, blockade of traffic, road accidents, and delayed flight operations (Majeed et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). The low visibility due to smog also halts inter and intra-city transportation thus affecting the trade. The smog also significantly affects the agricultural sector in a two-fold way, damaging the crops and reducing the yield as exposure to high levels of smog can lower the yields of wheat, corn, potatoes, rice, and soybeans by ten to forty percent (Razzaq et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeither the constitution nor any enacted law explicitly recognizes the right to clean air or a healthy environment in Pakistan. However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, through its landmark case of Shehla Zia v. WAPDA, interprets the \u003cem\u003eright to life and dignity\u003c/em\u003e incorporated in Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 and expands it to the recognition of the \u003cem\u003eright to a healthy environment\u003c/em\u003e as a fundamental right (Shehla, 1994). The most recent action taken by the government on a national level was the introduction of the National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) in March 2023 which is focused on formulating actions aimed at achieving improvements in air quality. Alongside the long-term action plans, the federal and provincial governments take short-term initiatives to immediately improve the worsening air quality and curb smog. Two out of those initiatives, taken by the Government of Punjab, were \u003cem\u003eSmog Emergency\u003c/em\u003e (Sheikh, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e) and \u003cem\u003eHealth and Environmental Emergency\u003c/em\u003e (Tahir \u0026amp; Sheikh, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e), the former was declared all over Punjab on November 02, 2023, while the latter was imposed in Lahore and two other cities of Punjab from November 09 to 12, 2023 to temporarily alleviate the harmful pollutants in the air. During the Smog Emergency, the government implemented the following measures:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eBanned the burning of crop residue.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eHalted major construction projects in Lahore to reduce dust and emissions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eLaunched crackdowns on smoke-emitting vehicles and factories.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile the highlights of the Health and Environmental Emergency were:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eClosure of all schools, offices, markets, malls, restaurants, cinemas, and gymnasiums.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eRestricted public and private transport.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese emergency policies offer an intriguing case study that aims to analyze how the concentration of important pollutants comprising smog in Lahore changed before, during, and after the end of their implementation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe research evaluates the effectiveness of the government\u0026rsquo;s policies in improving air quality and reducing smog. It also includes a survey questionnaire that assesses the impact of the measures taken by the government during the implementation of smog-curbing emergencies on residents' daily lives. Through understanding the outcomes, the research can inform future policy decisions and \u003cb\u003et\u003c/b\u003ehe findings may provide insights for addressing smog in other polluted regions globally.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe study examines changes in the concentration of air pollutants associated with smog across three distinct periods: Before Emergency, During Emergency, and After Emergency. The emergency policies were implemented from November 2, 2023, to November 12, 2023, encompassing a total of 11 days classified as the \u003cem\u003eDuring Emergency\u003c/em\u003e period. To ensure consistency in data collection, the \u003cem\u003eBefore Emergency\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eAfter Emergency\u003c/em\u003e periods are also defined as 11 days each with the former ranging from October 22, 2023, to November 1, 2023, while the latter extends from November 13, 2023, to November 23, 2023. This structured approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of pollutant concentration changes before, during, and after the implementation of emergency measures. The data of AQI and concentration of PM\u003csub\u003e2.5\u003c/sub\u003e is collected from AQI, a real-time pollution monitoring platform (AQI, 2023), and analyzed in MS Excel using scatter plots while the data of concentration of NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, O\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, and CO is collected from Sentinel-5P, an Earth-observing satellite which is a part of Copernicus Program deployed on October 13, 2017 by the European Space Agency (ESA). This satellite uses Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), a spectrometer that measures Ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared wavelengths and provides high-resolution data as it maps the entire planet daily (Chandra \u0026amp; Singh, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). It is employed to contribute to climate research and inform policy-makers by monitoring air pollution levels and trends and the impact of human activities on air quality. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) code editor was used to collect and examine the concentration data of the above-mentioned gases from Sentinel- 5p for each day of the three time periods in the study while the mean concentration maps for each gas showing fluctuations in their concentration before, during, and after the emergencies were visualized in ArcGIS Pro tool. Along with the maps, the bar graphs were also created to show mean, minimum, and maximum values.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA survey was also conducted in which more than 150 respondents responded to a questionnaire posed before them to assess the public perception of the emergency policies, their economic impact on residents\u0026rsquo; lives, and support for similar initiatives in the future. The data collected from the survey is represented through pie charts created by using MS Excel.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3 Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Air Quality Index (AQI)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe trend of the AQI exhibited a troubling trajectory, gradually escalating throughout the pre-emergency policies period, culminating in a mean value of 252, which is classified as a \u003cem\u003every unhealthy\u003c/em\u003e level of air pollution. This alarming trend continued during the emergency phase, where the AQI soared beyond 300, reaching a \u003cem\u003ehazardous\u003c/em\u003e level that poses severe health risks to the population. However, following the implementation of the Environmental and Health Emergency measures, a significant and sudden drop in the AQI was observed, indicating an improvement in air quality as levels transitioned from \u003cem\u003ehazardous\u003c/em\u003e to \u003cem\u003eunhealthy\u003c/em\u003e. Despite this brief respite, the post-emergency period saw a resurgence in AQI levels, which once again climbed back into the \u003cem\u003every unhealthy\u003c/em\u003e range (Du \u0026amp; Varde, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Particulate Matter (PM\u003csub\u003e2.5\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe trend of PM\u003csub\u003e2.5\u003c/sub\u003e concentration in the pre-emergency period exhibited a concerning ascent, starting from an \u003cem\u003eunhealthy\u003c/em\u003e level and continuing to rise until the declaration of the Health and Environmental Emergency. During this time, the concentration peaked at an alarming 338 \u0026micro;g/m\u0026sup3;, classified as \u003cem\u003ehazardous\u003c/em\u003e. Following the emergency measures, a significant drop in PM\u003csub\u003e2.5\u003c/sub\u003e levels was observed, decreasing to 94 \u0026micro;g/m\u0026sup3;, which is categorized as \u003cem\u003eunhealthy\u003c/em\u003e. Unfortunately, this improvement proved to be short-lived; in the post-emergency phase, PM\u003csub\u003e2.5\u003c/sub\u003e concentrations once again surged, with the mean level recorded at 231 \u0026micro;g/m\u0026sup3;, placing it firmly within the \u003cem\u003every unhealthy\u003c/em\u003e range (Du \u0026amp; Varde, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe mean concentration of NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e during the pre-emergency period was recorded at 0.139 m mol/m\u0026sup2;. This level saw a slight reduction during the implementation of the emergency policies phase, decreasing to 0.137 m mol/m\u0026sup2;, representing a modest decline of approximately 1.5%. However, following the conclusion of the emergency policies, a concerning trend emerged as NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e concentrations rebounded sharply, reflecting an increase to 0.147 m mol/m\u0026sup2; which is around 6.6%.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.4 Sulfur Dioxide (SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe trend in SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e concentration mirrored that of NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, but the changes observed were more pronounced as in the pre-emergency period, the mean SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e concentration was recorded at 0.192 m mol/m\u0026sup2; while during the emergency, this level saw a substantial reduction to 0.165 m mol/m\u0026sup2;, marking an impressive decline of nearly 14%. However, this improvement was only temporary as SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e concentrations surged dramatically in the post-emergency period escalating the mean concentration to 0.37 m mol/m\u0026sup2;, reflecting a staggering increase of up to 56%.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.5 Ozone (O\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe trends in ozone O\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e concentration levels present a fascinating contrast to those of NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. In the pre-emergency period, the mean O\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e concentration was recorded at 0.1263 mol/m\u0026sup2;. During the emergency phase, this level experienced a slight reduction to 0.1258 mol/m\u0026sup2;, reflecting a minimal decline of only 0.36%. However, unlike the upward trends seen in NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e concentrations following the end of emergency policies, ozone levels continued to decrease even further as the mean concentration dropped to 0.1256 mol/m\u0026sup2;, representing an additional decline of 0.17%.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.6 Carbon Monoxide (CO)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe trends in CO concentration present a striking contradiction to those observed for NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, and O\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e as the mean CO concentration during the emergency period was notably higher than that recorded before the declaration of emergencies. Specifically, the mean CO concentration increased from 0.046 mol/m\u0026sup2; in the pre-emergency period to 0.048 mol/m\u0026sup2; during the emergency reflecting an increment of nearly 4%. Interestingly, in the post-emergency period, the mean concentration decreased, returning to levels comparable to those observed in the pre-emergency period.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.7 Survey\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe survey results, as provided in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, reflect the perspectives of over 150 residents of Lahore regarding air quality and the impact of emergency policies. Notably, a significant 94% of respondents indicated some level of awareness about these policies. When asked about changes in air quality following the declaration of emergencies, 43% reported an improvement, while 45% observed no change, and 12% felt that air quality had worsened. Furthermore, the measures implemented by the government during this period had a noticeable effect on daily life, with 84% of respondents acknowledging disruptions to their routines. Financial implications were also evident, as 53% experienced financial losses due to these measures, with 15% facing severe setbacks. In terms of satisfaction with government actions, 31% expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of smog-curbing policies, while 28% conveyed some level of satisfaction; however, a substantial 41% remained neutral. Looking ahead, public sentiment towards future policies is mixed: 32% showed complete support for similar initiatives in the future, while 58% expressed conditional support based on prevailing circumstances. Only 10% were outright unsupportive.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4 Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe implementation of short-term initiatives like the Smog Emergency and Health and Environmental Emergency in Lahore led to temporary improvements in air quality, yet these changes were not substantial or lasting. Analysis of air quality data indicates that while pollutants such as NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e decreased during the emergencies, they spiked again post-implementation. Conversely, O\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e levels showed a slight decline throughout the emergency phases, while CO levels increased during the emergencies before decreasing afterward. PM\u003csub\u003e2.5\u003c/sub\u003e and the AQI demonstrated a similar pattern, with only a brief drop in levels during the Health and Environmental Emergency.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePublic sentiment reflected dissatisfaction with government actions due to disruptions caused by these initiatives, although there was conditional support for future efforts. This underscores the necessity for long-term strategies that address the root causes of pollution, including enhanced public awareness, improved monitoring systems, and robust emission reduction policies. As Lahore continues to face severe air quality challenges, both federal and provincial governments must commit to sustainable solutions that prioritize public health and environmental integrity.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe participants consented to publication.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data will be available upon request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of Interest\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors declare no conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAir Quality Life Index (AQLI). (2023). \u003cem\u003eCountry Spotlight Pakistan\u003c/em\u003e. Retrieved August 2024, from https://aqli.epic.uchicago.edu/country-spotlight/pakistan/\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnjum, A., \u0026amp; Naz, F. (2022). \u003cem\u003eSmog The fifth season in Pakistan\u003c/em\u003e. Retrieved October 2024, from https://pide.org.pk/research/smog-the-fifth-season-in-pakistan/\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChandra, A., \u0026amp; Singh, S. (2023). An assessment of air quality indicators Sentinel-5P TROPOMI data were used to examine the NO2 SO2 O3 AEROSOL levels in Uttar Pradesh before, after, and during the COVID 19 phase. \u003cem\u003eWorld Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews\u003c/em\u003e, 20(01), 324\u0026ndash;336. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.20.1.2021\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCopernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. (2020). \u003cem\u003eCopernicus: Scientists monitor smog over south Asia affecting over 400 million people.\u003c/em\u003e Retrieved October 2024, from https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/copernicus-scientists-monitor-smog-over-south-asia-affecting-over-400-million-people\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDu, X., \u0026amp; Varde, A.S. (2016). Mining PM2.5 and traffic conditions for air quality\u003cem\u003e. 2016 7th International Conference on Information and Communication Systems (ICICS), Irbid, Jordan\u003c/em\u003e, 33-38.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIjaz, S. (2023, December 06). \u003cem\u003ePakistan\u0026rsquo;s Air Pollution Shortens Lives\u003c/em\u003e. Retrieved August 2024, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/12/06/pakistans-air-pollution-shortens-lives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLahore Air Quality Index (AQI), Pakistan. (2023). \u003cem\u003eReal-time PM2.5, PM10 air pollution level in Punjab\u003c/em\u003e. Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.aqi.in/dashboard/pakistan/punjab/lahore\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMajeed, R., Anjum, M. S., Imad-ud-din, M., Malik, S., Anwar, M. N., Anwar, B. \u0026amp; Khokhar, M. F. (2024). Solving the mysteries of Lahore smog: the fifth season in the country. \u003cem\u003eFrontiers in Sustainable Cities\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e5\u003c/em\u003e, 1314426. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2023.1314426\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMs. Shehla Zia and others v. WAPDA, PLD 1994 Supreme Court 693 (Supreme Court of Pakistan, 1994).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRazzaq, A., Zafar, M. M., Zahra, L. T., Qadir, F., Qiao, F., Ullah, M. H., Shehzad, S., Rasool, G., \u0026amp; Jiang, X. (2024). Smog: Lahore needs global attention to fix it. \u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Challenges\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e16\u003c/em\u003e, 100999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2024.100999\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSheikh, W.A. (2023, November 02). \u003cem\u003ePunjab govt imposes \u0026lsquo;smog emergency\u0026rsquo; after LHC order\u003c/em\u003e. Retrieved August 2024, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1785717\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTahir, Z., \u0026amp; Sheikh, W.A. (2023, November 08). \u003cem\u003eHealth emergency in several Punjab districts to combat smog\u003c/em\u003e. Retrieved August 2024, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1787430\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorld Health Organization (WHO). (2019). \u003cem\u003eTen threats to global health in 2019\u003c/em\u003e. Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/ten-threats-to-global-health-in-2019\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorld Health Organization (WHO). (2024, October 24). \u003cem\u003eAmbient (outdoor) air pollution\u003c/em\u003e. Retrieved October 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Smog Emergency, Lahore, Sentinel-5p, Google Earth Engine (GEE)","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5537502/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5537502/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eAir pollution, particularly smog, poses a significant global health threat, with Pakistan experiencing annual smog episodes starting in October. This study examines air quality in Lahore, frequently ranked among the world's most polluted cities, focusing on the effectiveness of government initiatives like the Smog Emergency and Health and Environmental Emergency. By analyzing changes in the Air Quality Index (AQI) and pollutant concentrations (NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, O\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, CO, PM\u003csub\u003e2.5\u003c/sub\u003e) before, during, and after implementing emergency policies, we assess their impact on air quality. Data was sourced from the AQI platform and Sentinel-5P satellite through its Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and analyzed using Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS Pro for spatial visualization. While modest improvements were noted during the emergencies, particularly in SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e levels, these were short-lived, with significant increases in NO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and SO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e post-emergency. Ozone levels slightly decreased post-emergency, while CO trends varied. Additionally, a survey revealed that most residents perceived no improvement in air quality during the emergency and experienced disruptions to their daily lives and financial losses. Despite low satisfaction with government actions, many expressed conditional support for future initiatives, indicating a need for more sustainable approaches to smog control.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Evaluating the Impact of Smog Emergency Policies on Air Quality and Public Perception by Using Geospatial Technologies: A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-12-09 09:16:09","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5537502/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e5124ccc-8189-4b9a-b8d7-e05d4fbf3e7c","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 9th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":40857007,"name":"Environmental Policy"},{"id":40857008,"name":"Climate Analysis and Modeling"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-12-09T09:16:10+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-12-09 09:16:09","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5537502","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5537502","identity":"rs-5537502","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}